John Thomas Cronin

June 7, 1933 - September 29, 2011

John T. Cronin passed peacefully on September 29, 2011 from the loving arms of Maggie, his wife of 18 years, into his eternal rest. John was born June 7, 1933 in New York, New York to Thomas J. and Agnes Casey Cronin. He was reared from infancy by Henry and Catherine Wills, his “Mom” and “Dad”. Upon graduation from high school, John joined the United States Navy and proudly served aboard the USS Cony DD/DDE 508 from 1952-1956. After an honorable discharge, he went to work for the Recordak Company in New York City. He eventually began college classes at night, earning his BBA from St. Francis College, in 1963. Recordak was later absorbed by the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, New York, necessitating relocation of his family to that area. He began his career in Business Systems for Kodak and later worked in Government Markets. John took early retirement in 1991 and moved to Gulf Breeze to be near the Gulf and the white, sandy beaches he loved so much. He called the beach, “God’s psychiatric couch”, where one could find a solution to earthly problems. After a few months of retirement, John went to work in sales for AAA, where he remained for 10 years. John is survived by his wife, Maggie, his children; John D., Catherine Marino, Dennis (Cindy), Brian, and Patty Cronin, and his grandchildren Julia, Sean, Daniel, and Brian John. He is also survived by Maggie’s son Rick (Lynn) Knoespel, and their children Michael, John, Brendan, and Tracy, and Maggie’s daughter Leanne and her children Mikaela, Daniel, and Alaina Gilbert. John’s Irish wit and wisdom will be sorely missed by all. The world was a happier place in his presence. A funeral Mass will be celebrated October 11, 2011 at 11:00 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Gulf Breeze with Msgr. Luke Hunt and Fr. Paul Lambert as celebrants. Inurnment at Barrancas Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Ann Building Fund 100 Daniel Drive, Gulf Breeze FL 32563 or to Covenant Hospice 2001 N. Palafox, Pensacola FL 32501. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be placed online at www.fcfhs.com